Bicycle headset structure

ABSTRACT

A bicycle headset structure is provided to aid in the mounting of a steerer tube of a front fork to a head tube of a bicycle frame. The bicycle headset structure is configured such that a device can be mounted in the steerer tube and the headset is appropriately loaded.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention generally relates to a bicycle headset structure for abicycle. More specifically, the present invention relates to a bicycleheadset structure configured to apply an axial force to a headset thatrotatably mounts a steerer tube of a front fork to a head tube of abicycle frame.

2. Background Information

Bicycling is becoming an increasingly more popular form of recreation aswell as a means of transportation. Moreover, bicycling has become a verypopular competitive sport for both amateurs and professionals. Whetherthe bicycle is used for recreation, transportation or competition, thebicycle industry is constantly improving the various components of thebicycle as well as the frame of the bicycle.

Recently, bicycles have been equipped with electrical components to makeriding easier and more enjoyable for the rider. Some bicycles areequipped with computer controlled suspensions that are automaticallyadjusted according to the riding conditions by a cycle computer orcontrol unit. An example of a computer controlled suspension isdisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,543,799, which is assigned to Shimano, Inc.Moreover, many new bicycles have automatic shifting units that areautomatically adjusted according to the riding conditions by a cyclecomputer or control unit.

Accordingly, these bicycles with electrical components need to beequipped with control devices for controlling the various electricalcomponents and one or more batteries for supplying electrical power tothe various electrical components. Unfortunately, there is a limitedamount of space on a bicycle frame to mount all of these electroniccomponents such that the rider has access to the electronic components.In other words, these electronic components are preferably mounted inparticular areas of the bicycle such as the handlebar, which furtherlimits the mounting areas for the electronic components. Also it isdesirable to mount the electronic components in such a manner as to beattractive and easy to use. Thus, it is desirable to mount theelectronic components in such a manner that the wire does not interferewith the operation of the bicycle and the wire does not detract from theappearance of the bicycle.

In view of the above, it will be apparent to those skilled in the artfrom this disclosure that there exists a need for an improved bicycleheadset structure. This invention addresses this need in the art as wellas other needs, which will become apparent to those skilled in the artfrom this disclosure.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One object of certain embodiments of the present invention is to providea bicycle headset structure that is configured to apply an axial forceto a headset used to rotatably mount a steerer tube of a front fork to ahead tube of a bicycle frame.

Another object of certain embodiments of the present invention is toprovide a bicycle headset structure that can be used to mount anelectrical device or part in a steerer tube of a bicycle fork.

Another object of certain embodiments of the present invention is toprovide a bicycle headset structure that provides an unobstructedpassageway or channel through the head tube of the bicycle frame forpassing wires from components mounted in the handlebar area tocomponents mounted on the rest of the bicycle.

Another object of certain embodiments of the present invention is toprovide a bicycle headset structure that can be used to mount anelectrical device or part in a steerer tube of a bicycle fork.

Another object of certain embodiments of the present invention is toprovide a bicycle headset structure that is relatively inexpensive tomanufacture and relatively simple to install.

The foregoing objects can basically be attained by providing a bicycleheadset structure that basically comprises a tubular section, a topabutment section and a steerer tube attachment section. The tubularsection has a first end with an upper end opening, and an axialpassageway extending axially from the first end towards a second end ofthe tubular section. The top abutment section extends radially from thetubular section to form an abutment surface that faces in an axialdirection towards the second end of the tubular section. The steerertube attachment section is configured and arranged to adjustably couplethe tubular section to a steerer tube such that selective adjustment ofthe steerer tube attachment section results in the abutment surfaceapplying a downward force on a bicycle head tube to hold the steerertube within the bicycle head tube.

These and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the presentinvention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from thefollowing detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with theannexed drawings, discloses a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring now to the attached drawings which form a part of thisoriginal disclosure:

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a bicycle that is equipped with abicycle headset structure in accordance with a first embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 2 is a partial enlarged side cross-sectional view of a top portionof the front suspension fork with the bicycle headset structureillustrated in FIG. 1 in accordance with the first embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 3 is a partial top plan view of a front portion of the bicycleillustrated in FIG. 1, which illustrates the various components coupledto the bicycle;

FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of the bicycle headset structureillustrated in FIG. 2 in accordance with the first embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 5 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the bicycle headsetstructure illustrated in FIG. 4 in accordance with the first embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the first (top) tubular member or spacerof the bicycle headset structure illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5 inaccordance with the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 a side elevational view of the tightening bolt of the bicycleheadset structure illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5 in accordance with thefirst embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a side elevational view of the bottom washer or abutmentmember of the bicycle headset structure illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5 inaccordance with the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a partial enlarged side cross-sectional view of a top portionof the front suspension fork illustrated in FIG. 1 with the bicycleheadset structure installed thereon in accordance with a secondembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a side elevational view of the bicycle headset structureillustrated in FIG. 9 in accordance with the second embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 11 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the bicycle headsetstructure illustrated in FIG. 10 in accordance with the secondembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the first (top) tubular member orspacer of the bicycle headset structure illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11in accordance with the second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a top plan view of the first (top) tubular member illustratedin FIG. 12 for the bicycle headset structure illustrated in FIGS. 10 and11 in accordance with the second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a bottom plan view of the first (top) tubular memberillustrated in FIG. 12 for the bicycle headset structure illustrated inFIGS. 10 and 11 in accordance with the second embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the second (bottom) tubular member orspacer of the bicycle headset structure illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11in accordance with the second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 16 is a top plan view of the second (bottom) tubular memberillustrated in FIG. 15 for the bicycle headset structure illustrated inFIGS. 10 and 11 in accordance with the second embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 17 is a bottom plan view of the second (bottom) tubular memberillustrated in FIG. 15 for the bicycle headset structure illustrated inFIGS. 10 and 11 in accordance with the second embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 18 is a partial enlarged side cross-sectional view of a top portionof the front suspension fork illustrated in FIG. 1 with the bicycleheadset structure installed thereon in accordance with a thirdembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 19 is a side elevational view of the bicycle headset structureillustrated in FIG. 18 in accordance with the third embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 20 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the bicycle headsetstructure illustrated in FIG. 19 in accordance with the third embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 21 is a side elevational view of the first (top) tubular member orspacer of the bicycle headset structure illustrated in FIGS. 19 and 20in accordance with the third embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 22 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the first (top)tubular member illustrated in FIG. 21 for the bicycle headset structureillustrated in FIGS. 19 and 20 in accordance with the third embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 23 is a top plan view of the attachment member of the bicycleheadset structure illustrated in FIGS. 19 and 20 in accordance with thethird embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 24 is a side elevational view of the attachment member illustratedin FIG. 23 for the bicycle headset structure illustrated in FIGS. 19 and20 in accordance with the third embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view of the attachment member illustratedin FIGS. 23 and 24 for the bicycle headset structure illustrated inFIGS. 19 and 20 in accordance with the third embodiment of the presentinvention as seen along section line 25-25 of FIG. 23;

FIG. 26 is a top plan view of the abutment washer or member of thebicycle headset structure illustrated in FIGS. 19 and 20 in accordancewith the third embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view of the abutment washer or memberillustrated in FIG. 26 for the bicycle headset structure illustrated inFIGS. 19 and 20 in accordance with the third embodiment of the presentinvention as seen along section line 27-27 of FIG. 26;

FIG. 28 is a partial enlarged side cross-sectional view of a top portionof the front suspension fork illustrated in FIG. 1 with the bicycleheadset structure installed thereon in accordance with a fourthembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 29 is a perspective view of the upper or top tubular member of thebicycle headset structure illustrated in FIG. 28 in accordance with thefourth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 30 is a perspective view of an electronic suspension controllermounted in the steerer tube an alternate application in accordance withthe present invention;

FIG. 31 is a perspective view of a mechanical suspension controllermounted in the steerer tube an alternate application in accordance withthe present invention;

FIG. 32 is a perspective view of a lamp switch mounted in the steerertube an alternate application in accordance with the present invention;and

FIG. 33 is a perspective view of a cycle computer or controller mountedin the steerer tube an alternate application in accordance with thepresent invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Selected embodiments of the present invention will now be explained withreference to the drawings. It will be apparent to those skilled in theart from this disclosure that the following descriptions of theembodiments of the present invention are provided for illustration onlyand not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by theappended claims and their equivalents.

Referring initially to FIG. 1, a bicycle 10 is illustrated that isequipped with a bicycle headset structure 11 and various electroniccomponents in such a manner as to carryout a first embodiment of thepresent invention as discussed below. Bicycles and their variouscomponents are well known in the art, and thus, bicycle 10 and itsvarious components will not be discussed and/or illustrated in detailherein, except for the components that relate to the present invention.Also as used herein, the following directional terms “forward, rearward,above, downward, vertical, horizontal, below and transverse” as well asany other similar directional terms refer to those directions of abicycle equipped with the present invention. Accordingly, these terms,as utilized to describe the present invention should be interpretedrelative to a bicycle equipped with the present invention.

As seen in FIG. 1, the bicycle 10 basically includes a main frame 12, arear chain stay 13, a front wheel 14 and a rear wheel 15. The main frame12 is also equipped with a seat 16, a handlebar 17 and a frontsuspension fork 18 that rotatably supports the front wheel 14 via afront dynamo hub 19 of the front wheel 14. The main frame 12 basicallyincludes a top tube 12 a, a seat tube 12 b, a down tube 12 c and a headtube 12 d.

As seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, an upper end of the front suspension fork 18is movably coupled to the head tube 12 d of the main frame 12, while thelower end of the front suspension fork 18 is coupled to the front dynamohub 19. The front suspension fork 18 basically includes a steerer tube18 a rotatably mounted in the head tube 12 d of the main frame 12 by aheadset 20, a pair of telescoping struts 18 b that are interconnected byan upper crown 18 c which is coupled to the steerer tube 18 a. Thus, thefront wheel 14 is rotatably mounted to the front suspension fork 18 bythe front dynamo hub 19 in conventional manner. Thus, the handlebar 17is fixed to the front suspension fork 18 for turning the frontsuspension fork 18 and the front wheel 14 relative to the main frame 12.

Optionally, a wiring cap 18 d is inserted in the upper end of thesteerer tube 18 a for sealing off the upper end of the steerer tube 18a. Preferably, the wiring cap 18 d has one or more bores for receivingone or more electrical cords therethrough. In this embodiment, thewiring cap 18 d is a plastic or rubber cap that is frictionally retainedin the steerer tube 18 a.

The front suspension fork 18 is preferably an electronically controlledsuspension that includes an electric dampening device (not shown) thatchanges the dampening characteristics of the front suspension fork 18.Since the precise structure of the electric dampening device is notimportant to the present invention, the precise structure of theelectric dampening device will not be discussed or illustrated in detailherein. An example of an electronically controlled front suspension isthe front suspension of the Nexave C-910 components that are sold byShimano Inc.

As seen in FIG. 2, the handlebar 17 has a mounting portion 17 a that isfixed to the front suspension fork 18 by with a pair of bolts 17 b in aconventional manner. Thus, the handlebar 17 is fixed to the frontsuspension fork 18 for turning the front suspension fork 18 and thefront wheel 14 relative to the main frame 12.

As also seen in FIG. 2, the headset 20 includes an upper steeringbearing set 20 a and a lower steering bearing set 20 b. The headset 20is a relatively conventional part of a bicycle. Thus, the headset 20will not be discussed or illustrated in detail herein.

The handlebar 17 is fixed to the steerer tube 18 a of the frontsuspension fork 18 by the mounting portion 17 a. In particular, themounting portion 17 a of the handlebar 17 is a tube clamp in which theinner diameter of the mounting bore decreases upon the tightening of thebolts 17 b. In the present invention, the bicycle headset structure 11is mounted within the steerer tube 18 a of the front suspension fork 18so as to contact the upper surface of the mounting portion 17 a of thehandlebar 17 and the lower surface of the upper crown 18 c of the frontsuspension fork 18. Before the mounting portion 17 a of the handlebar 17is fixedly clamped (i.e., loosely installed) to the steerer tube 18 a,the bicycle headset structure 11 is adjusted to apply an axial forcethat pulls the mounting portion 17 a of the handlebar 17 and the frontsuspension fork 18 together to load the headset 20. In particular, thebicycle headset structure 11 is configured and arranged to contract inan axial direction on the steerer tube 18 a to apply an axial force tothe headset 20 and secure the steerer tube 18 a of the front suspensionfork 18 within the head tube 12 d. This axial force on the headset 20allows the used to apply to appropriate load to the upper and lowersteering bearing sets 20 a and 20 b.

Referring back to FIG. 1, the rear chain stay 13 is pivotally coupled tothe main frame 12 by a bottom bracket (not shown). A drive train 21 isalso operatively coupled between the main frame 12 and the rear chainstay 13 in a conventional manner. The drive train 21 basically includesa plurality of front chain rings or sprockets 22 mounted on a bottombracket (not shown), a pair of crank arms 23 with a pair of pedals 24, afront derailleur 25 mounted on the bottom bracket (not shown), a drivechain 26, a plurality of rear sprockets 27 coupled to a rear hub 28 ofthe rear wheel 15 in a conventional manner, and a rear derailleur 29mounted to the rear chain stay 13. Since these parts of bicycle 10 arewell known in the art, these parts will not be discussed or illustratedin detail herein, except as they are modified to be used in conjunctionwith the present invention. Moreover, various conventional bicycle partssuch as brakes, etc., which are not illustrated and/or discussed herein,are also used in conjunction with the present invention as needed and/ordesired.

As seen in FIG. 1, a rear suspension unit 30 is operatively coupledbetween the main frame 12 and the rear chain stay 13 to absorb shockstransmitted to the rear wheel 15. The rear suspension unit 30 is anelectronically controlled suspension that includes an electric dampeningdevice (not shown) that changes the dampening characteristics of therear suspension unit 30. Since the precise structure of the electricdampening device is not important to the present invention, the precisestructure of the electric dampening device will not be discussed orillustrated in detail herein. An example of an electronically controlledrear suspension is the rear suspension of the Nexave C-910 componentsthat are sold by Shimano Inc.

As seen in FIG. 3, the bicycle 10 is equipped with various electroniccontrol components that are mounted on the handlebar 17. In particular,the bicycle 10 is equipped with a cycle computer 31, a front electronicshifting unit 32 and a rear electronic shifting unit 33. The cyclecomputer 31 is electrically coupled to various electronic componentsincluding, but not limited to, the front dynamo hub 19, the frontelectronic shifting unit 32, the rear electronic shifting unit 33, thefront electric dampening device and the rear electric dampening device.The cycle computer 31 is preferably electrically coupled to thesevarious electronic components by an electrical cord 34 that splits intoseveral feed wires or cord portions (only two electrical cords 35 and 36will be illustrated in FIG. 2 for the sake of simplicity and for easy ofillustration) that each includes a plurality of electrical conductors.Examples of various electronic control components that can be used withthe present invention are the Nexave C-910 components that are sold byShimano Inc.

The cycle computer 31 includes a plurality of push buttons for operatingthe automatic shifting control and the automatic suspension control. Inthe illustrated embodiment, as seen in FIG. 2, the cycle computer 31 iselectrically coupled to the front electronic shifting unit 32 and therear electronic shifting unit 33 by electrical cords 32 a and 33 a,respectively. The cycle computer 31 is preferably configured andarranged with control programs stored for controlling the automaticsuspension and the automatic shifting based on the rider input commandsand/or riding conditions from sensors (not shown). Alternatively, thecycle computer 31 preferably includes a microcomputer with a controlprogram that controls the automatic shifting control and the automaticsuspension control. The cycle computer 31 can also include otherconventional components such as an input interface circuit, an outputinterface circuit, and storage devices such as a ROM (Read Only Memory)device and a RAM (Random Access Memory) device. The microcomputer of thecycle computer 31 is programmed to display various information such asthe status of the various components as well as programmed to controlautomatic shifting control and the automatic suspension control. Thememory circuit stores processing results and control programs that arerun by the processor circuit.

Referring back to FIG. 2, the electrical cord 35 that extends from theelectrical cord 34 electrically couples the cycle computer 31 to theelectric dampening device of the rear suspension unit 30, the frontderailleur 25 and the rear derailleur 29 thereto.

Preferably, as seen in FIG. 3, the electrical cord 35 splits intoseveral feed wires or cord portions that includes an electrical cordportion 35 a electrically coupled to the electric dampening device ofthe rear suspension unit 30, an electrical cord portion 35 belectrically coupled to an electric device of the front derailleur 25,and an electrical cord portion 35 c electrically coupled to the rearderailleur 29. Accordingly, each of these cord portions 35 a-35 cincludes a plurality of electrical conductors.

The electrical cord 36 that extends from the electrical cord 34electrically couples the cycle computer 31 to the electric dampeningdevice of the front suspension fork 18 and the front dynamo hub 19.Preferably, the electrical cord 36 splits into several feed wires orcord portions that include a plurality of electrical conductors.

Since the precise structure of the electrical cords 34, 35 and 36 aswell as their various electrical connections are not important to thepresent invention, the precise structure of the electrical cords 34, 35and 36 as well as their various electrical connections will not bediscussed or illustrated in detail herein. In fact, the structure of theelectrical cords 34, 35 and 36 as well as their various electricalconnections have been illustrated in a simplified manner for the sake ofsimplicity and for easy of illustration. Moreover, the construction ofthe electrical cords 34, 35 and 36 as well as their various electricalconnections will depend upon the number and type of electricalcomponents that are connected to the cycle computer 31.

The front shifting unit 32 includes a plurality of shifting push buttonsfor manually shifting the front derailleur 25 when the cycle computer 31has been set by the rider to a manual mode. In the illustratedembodiment, as seen in FIG. 2, the front shifting unit 32 iselectrically coupled to the cycle computer 31 by the electrical cord 32a. In the preferred embodiment, the front shifting unit 32 inputselectrical commands to the cycle computer 31.

The rear shifting unit 33 includes a plurality of shifting push buttonsfor manually shifting the rear derailleur 29 when the cycle computer 31has been programmed or set by the rider to a manual mode. In theillustrated embodiment, the rear shifting unit 33 is electricallycoupled to the cycle computer 31 by the electrical cord 33 a. In thepreferred embodiment, the rear shifting unit 33 inputs electricalcommands to the cycle computer 31.

Turning now to FIGS. 2, 4 and 5, the bicycle headset structure 11 iscoupled to the steerer tube 18 a of the front suspension fork 18 inaccordance with the first embodiment of the present invention. Thebicycle headset structure 11 basically includes an upper tubular member61, a tightening bolt 62, and a bottom washer or abutment member 63. Inthis embodiment, the bicycle headset structure 11 also includes a pairof spacers or washers 64 that located on the steerer tube 18 a betweenthe mounting portion 17 a of the handlebar 17 and the upper steeringbearing set 20 a of the headset 20.

In the present invention, the bicycle headset structure 11 is mountedwithin the steerer tube 18 a of the front suspension fork 18 so as tocontact the upper surface of the mounting portion 17 a of the handlebar17 and the lower surface of the upper crown 18 c of the front suspensionfork 18. Before the mounting portion 17 a of the handlebar 17 is fixedlyclamped (i.e., loosely installed) to the steerer tube 18 a, the bicycleheadset structure 11 is adjusted to apply an axial force that pulls themounting portion 17 a of the handlebar 17 and the front suspension fork18 together to load the headset 20. In particular, the bicycle headsetstructure 11 is configured and arranged to contract in an axialdirection on the steerer tube 18 a to apply an axial force to theheadset 20 and secure the steerer tube 18 a of the front suspension fork18 within the head tube 12 d. Thus, the bicycle headset structure 11 isconfigured and arranged to exert a downward pressure or force on themounting portion 17 a of the handlebar 17 and the spacers 64 which inturn exert a downward pressure or axial force of the upper and lowersteering bearing sets 20 a and 20 b. This axial force on the headset 20allows the used to apply to appropriate load to the upper and lowersteering bearing sets 20 a and 20 b.

As seen in FIGS. 4-6, the upper tubular member 61 is preferablyconstructed as a one-piece, unitary member from a hard rigid material.More preferably, the upper tubular member 61 is constructed of ametallic material suitable for bicycles. The upper tubular member 61basically includes a tubular section 71 having a first end 72 with anupper end opening 73, and an axial passageway 74 extending axially fromthe first end 72 towards a second end 75 of the tubular section 71.

The first end 72 of the tubular section 71 has an annular flange 76 thatextends radially outwardly from the tubular section 71. In other words,the annular flange 76 forms a top abutment section that extends radiallyfrom the tubular section 76 to form an abutment surface 76 a that facesin an axial direction towards the second end 75 of the tubular section71. Preferably, the abutment surface 76 a is substantially annularlyarranged about the first end 75 of the tubular section 71. In otherwords, the abutment surface 76 a is preferably a continuous annularflange. Of course, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art fromthis disclosure that the abutment surface 76 a can be a discontinuousannular flange. The tubular section 71, except for the annular flange76, has an outer width or diameter that is sized to be received with inthe passageway of the steerer tube 18 a. The annular flange 76, on theother hand, has an outer width or diameter that is sized to be largerthan the outer width or diameter of the steerer tube 18 a such that theannular flange 76 abuts against the mounting portion of the handlebar17.

As seen in FIGS. 2, 4, 5 and 6, the second end 75 of the tubular section71 has a lower end wall 77 that is axially spaced from the upper endopening along the axial passageway 74 of the tubular section 71 to forma device receiving space 78. In this embodiment, an electrical device 79is inserted into the device receiving space 78. Of course, it will beapparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that otherdevice can be inserted therein (See FIGS. 29-32). The lower end wall 77has an internally threaded hole 77 a with a set of first threads forthreadedly engaging the tightening bolt 62. Optionally, the lower endwall 77 has one or more apertures 77 b for one or more wires to extendthrough the lower end wall 77 as seen in FIG. 2.

As seen in FIGS. 4, 5 and 7, the tightening bolt 62 has a head portion62 a and a threaded shaft portion 62 b with a set of second threads 62c. The second threads 62 c of the threaded shaft portion 62 b arethreadedly engaged with the first threads of threaded hole 77 a of theupper tubular member 61. The tightening bolt 62 is preferablyconstructed as a one-piece, unitary member from a hard rigid material.More preferably, the tightening bolt 62 is constructed of a metallicmaterial that is especially suitable for bicycles.

As seen in FIGS. 4, 5 and 8, the bottom washer 63 is preferablyconstructed as a one-piece, unitary member from a hard rigid material.More preferably, the bottom washer 63 is constructed of a metallicmaterial that is especially suitable for bicycles. Of course, it will beapparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that thetightening bolt 62 and the bottom washer 63 can be constructed togetheras a one-piece, unitary member from a hard rigid material or twoseparate members that are fixedly coupled together. In any event, thehead portion 62 a together with the bottom washer 63 form an abutmentsurface 63 a with a radial width that is larger than a radial width ofthe tubular section 71. Thus, the abutment surface 63 a contacts thelower end of the bicycle head tube 12 d.

As seen in FIGS. 4 and 5, the tightening bolt 62 and the bottom washer63 form a steerer tube attachment section of the bicycle headsetstructure 11, with the abutment surface 63 a being a lower abutment ofthe steerer tube attachment section. Thus, the steerer tube attachmentsection is configured and arranged to adjustably couple the tubularsection 71 to the steerer tube 18 a such that selective adjustment ofthe steerer tube attachment section results in the abutment surface 76 aof the annular flange 76 applies a downward force on the bicycle headtube 12 d to hold the steerer tube 18 a within the bicycle head tube 12d.

Second Embodiment

Referring now to FIGS. 9-17, a bicycle headset structure 211 inaccordance with a second embodiment will now be explained. The bicycleheadset structure 211 is installed on the steerer tube 18 a of the frontsuspension fork 18 of the bicycle 10. In other words, the bicycleheadset structure 211 replaces the bicycle headset structure 11.Accordingly, in this second embodiment of the present invention, thebicycle headset structure 211 is mounted within the steerer tube 18 a ofthe front suspension fork 18 to hold the steerer tube 18 a within thebicycle head tube 12 d. In particular, the bicycle headset structure 211is mounted within the steerer tube 18 a of the front suspension fork 18so as to contact the upper surface of the mounting portion 17 a of thehandlebar 17 and the lower surface of the upper crown 18 c of the frontsuspension fork 18. Before the mounting portion 17 a of the handlebar 17is fixedly clamped (i.e., loosely installed) to the steerer tube 18 a,the bicycle headset structure 211 is adjusted to apply an axial forcethat pulls the mounting portion 17 a of the handlebar 17 and the frontsuspension fork 18 together to load the headset 20. In particular, thebicycle headset structure 211 is configured and arranged to contract inan axial direction on the steerer tube 18 a to apply an axial force tothe headset 20 and secure the steerer tube 18 a of the front suspensionfork 18 within the head tube 12 d. Thus, the bicycle headset structure211 is configured and arranged to exert a downward pressure or force onthe mounting portion 17 a of the handlebar 17 which in turn exert adownward pressure or axial force of the upper and lower steering bearingsets 20 a and 20 b. This axial force on the headset 20 allows the usedto apply to appropriate load to the upper and lower steering bearingsets 20 a and 20 b.

Turning now to FIGS. 9-11, the bicycle headset structure 211 basicallyincludes an upper tubular member 261, a lower tubular member 262, and anupper washer or abutment member 263. In this embodiment, the bicycleheadset structure 211 also includes a pair of spacers or washers 264that located on the steerer tube 18 a between the mounting portion 17 aof the handlebar 17 and the upper steering bearing set 20 a of theheadset 20.

As seen in FIGS. 12-14, the upper tubular member 261 is preferablyconstructed as a one-piece, unitary member from a hard rigid material.More preferably, the upper tubular member 261 is constructed of ametallic material that is especially suitable for bicycles. The uppertubular member 261 basically includes a tubular section 271 having afirst end 272 with an upper end opening 273, and an axial passageway 274extending axially from the first end 272 towards a second end 275 of thetubular section 271. The first end 272 of the tubular section 271 has anannular flange 276 that extends radially outwardly from the tubularsection 271. Also the upper washer or abutment member 263 issubstantially annularly arranged about the first end 272 of the tubularsection 271. Preferably, the annular flange 276 is a continuous annularflange that has an abutment surface 276 a and a plurality of toolengagement apertures 276 b. The abutment surface 276 a is an axiallyfacing surface that faces toward the second end 275 of the tubularsection 271. The abutment surface 276 a of the annular flange 276contacts and retains the upper washer or abutment member 263 on thefirst end 272 of the tubular section 271. Thus, the inner hole of theupper washer 263 is dimensioned to slide over the second end 275 of thetubular section 271 and abut the abutment surface 276 a of the annularflange 276 on the first end 272 of the tubular section 271. The outerdiameter of the upper washer 263 is dimensioned to contact the mountingportion 17 a of the handlebar 17 to exert a downward pressure or forceon the mounting portion 17 a of the handlebar 17 when the bicycleheadset structure 211 is tightened.

Accordingly, the annular flange 276 together with the upper washer 263are configured and arranged to form a top abutment section of thebicycle headset structure 211 which extends radially from the tubularsection 271 to form an abutment surface 263 a that faces in an axialdirection towards the second end 275 of the tubular section 271.Preferably, the abutment surface 263 a is substantially annularlyarranged about the first end 272 of the tubular section 271. In otherwords, the abutment surface 263 a is preferably a continuous annularflange. Of course, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art fromthis disclosure that the abutment surface 263 a can be a discontinuousannular flange.

The tubular section 271, except for the annular flange 276, has an outerwidth or diameter that is sized to be received with in the passageway ofthe steerer tube 18 a. The annular flange 276, on the other hand, has anouter width or diameter that is sized to be larger than the outer widthor diameter of the steerer tube 18 a. Preferably, the tubular section271 is sized such that the passageway of the steerer tube 18 a is notsubstantially reduced.

The second end 275 of the tubular section 271 has a lower end opening277 such that the axial passageway 274 of the tubular section 271 is aclear and unobstructed passageway extending completely through thetubular section 271. This axial passageway 274 of the tubular section271 forms a device receiving space 278 or a wiring passageway. Thesecond end 275 of the tubular section 271 also has a set of first(external) threads 279 that threadedly engages the lower tubular member262 as explained below.

As seen in FIGS. 15-17, the lower tubular member 262 is preferablyconstructed as a one-piece, unitary member from a hard rigid material.More preferably, the lower tubular member 262 is constructed of ametallic material that is especially suitable for bicycles. The lowertubular member 262 basically includes a tubular section 281 having afirst end 282 with an upper end opening 283, and an axial passageway 284extending axially from the first end 282 towards a second end 285 of thetubular section 281.

The first end 282 of the tubular section 281 has an annular flange 286that extends radially outwardly from the tubular section 281.Preferably, the annular flange 286 is a continuous annular flange thathas an abutment surface 286 a and a plurality of tool engagementapertures 286 b. The abutment surface 286 a is an axially facing surfacethat faces toward the second end 285 of the tubular section 281. Theabutment surface 286 a of the annular flange 286 contacts and applies anupward force on the lower surface of the upper crown 18 c of the frontsuspension fork 18 to hold the steerer tube 18 a within the bicycle headtube 12 d when the bicycle headset structure 211 is installed. Thus, theouter diameter of the annular flange 286 is dimensioned to contact thelower surface of the upper crown 18 c to exert an upward force pressureor force when the bicycle headset structure 211 is tightened.

The second end 285 of the tubular section 281 has a set of second(internal) threads 287 form in the axial passageway 284 of the lowertubular member 262. The second threads 287 are threadedly engaged withthe first threads 279 of the second end 275 of the upper tubular member261. Thus, relative rotation between the upper and lower tubular members261 and 262 causes the annular flanges 276 and 286 of the upper andlower tubular members 261 and 262 to move axially together or axiallyapart.

When the upper and lower tubular members 261 and 262 are rotated(tightened) to cause the annular flanges 276 and 286 of the upper andlower tubular members 261 and 262 to move axially together, the annularflanges 276 and 286 applies a compressive axial force on the mountingportion 17 a of the handlebar 17 and the lower surface of the uppercrown 18 c. In other words, the annular flanges 276 and 286 areconfigured and arranged to contract in an axial direction within thesteerer tube 18 a to apply an axial force to the headset 20 and securethe steerer tube 18 a of the front suspension fork 18 within the headtube 12 d. Thus, this axial force on the headset 20 allows the used toapply to appropriate load to the upper and lower steering bearing sets20 a and 20 b.

The lower tubular member 262 form a steerer tube attachment section ofthe bicycle headset structure 211, with the abutment surface 286 a beinga lower abutment of the steerer tube attachment section. Thus, thesteerer tube attachment section is configured and arranged to adjustablycouple the tubular sections 271 and 281 to the steerer tube 18 a suchthat selective adjustment of the steerer tube attachment sectionsresults in the abutment surfaces 276 a and 286 a applying oppositelydirected forces on the bicycle head tube 12 d to hold the steerer tube18 a within the bicycle head tube 12 d.

Third Embodiment

Referring now to FIGS. 18-26, a bicycle headset structure 311 inaccordance with a third embodiment will now be explained. The bicycleheadset structure 311 is installed on the steerer tube 18 a of the frontsuspension fork 18 of the bicycle 10. In other words, the bicycleheadset structure 311 replaces the bicycle headset structure 11.Accordingly, in this third embodiment of the present invention, thebicycle headset structure 311 is mounted within the steerer tube 18 a ofthe front suspension fork 18 to hold the steerer tube 18 a within thebicycle head tube 12 d. In particular, the bicycle headset structure 311is mounted within the steerer tube 18 a of the front suspension fork 18so as to contact the upper surface of the mounting portion 17 a of thehandlebar 17 and the lower surface of the upper crown 18 c of the frontsuspension fork 18. Before the mounting portion 17 a of the handlebar 17is fixedly clamped (i.e., loosely installed) to the steerer tube 18 a,the bicycle headset structure 311 is adjusted to apply an axial forcethat pulls the mounting portion 17 a of the handlebar 17 and the frontsuspension fork 18 together to load the headset 20. In particular, thebicycle headset structure 311 is configured and arranged to contract inan axial direction on the steerer tube 18 a to apply an axial force tothe headset 20 and secure the steerer tube 18 a of the front suspensionfork 18 within the head tube 12 d. Thus, the bicycle headset structure311 is configured and arranged to exert a downward pressure or force onthe mounting portion 17 a of the handlebar 17 which in turn exert adownward pressure or axial force of the upper and lower steering bearingsets 20 a and 20 b. This axial force on the headset 20 allows the usedto apply to appropriate load to the upper and lower steering bearingsets 20 a and 20 b.

Turning now to FIGS. 18-20, the bicycle headset structure 311 basicallyincludes an upper tubular member 361, an attachment assembly 362, and anupper washer or abutment member 363. In this embodiment, the bicycleheadset structure 311 also includes a pair of spacers or washers 364that located on the steerer tube 18 a between the mounting portion 17 aof the handlebar 17 and the upper steering bearing set 20 a of theheadset 20.

As seen in FIGS. 21 and 22, the upper tubular member 361 is preferablyconstructed as a one-piece, unitary member from a hard rigid material.More preferably, the upper tubular member 361 is constructed of ametallic material that is especially suitable for bicycles. The uppertubular member 361 basically includes a tubular section 371 having afirst end 372 with an upper end opening 373, and an axial passageway 374extending axially from the first end 372 towards a second end 375 of thetubular section 371. The first end 372 of the tubular section 371 has anannular flange 376 that extends radially outwardly from the tubularsection 371. Preferably, the annular flange 376 is a continuous annularflange that has an abutment surface 376 a and a plurality of toolengagement apertures such as four blind bores (not shown) that areequally spaced around the annular flange 376.

The upper end opening 373 of the tubular section 371 includes a set offirst internal threads 377 for attaching the attachment assembly 362 tothe upper tubular member 361. As discussed below, the attachmentassembly 362 applies an axially directed force on the upper tubularmember 361 which is fixedly coupled to the steerer tube 18 a. Thus, byadjusting the attachment assembly 362, the steerer tube 18 a is pulledupwardly against the lower steering bearing set 20 b and the mountingportion 17 a of the handlebar 17 is pushed downwardly to apply anaxially direction force on the upper steering bearing set 20 a.

The first end 372 of the tubular section 371 includes an outerperipheral surface with a set of first external threads 379 thatthreadedly engages a set of second internal threads 380 of the steerertube 18 a so that the upper tubular member 361 is fixedly coupled withinthe steerer tube 18 a.

The abutment surface 376 a of first end 372 of the tubular section 371is an axially facing surface that faces toward the second end 375 of thetubular section 371. Thus, the abutment surface 376 a of the annularflange 376 contacts the upper end of the steerer tube 18 to limit inwardmovement of the upper tubular member 361 when the upper tubular member361 is threaded into the steerer tube 18 a.

The tubular section 371, except for the annular flange 376, has an outerwidth or diameter that is sized to be received with in the passageway ofthe steerer tube 18 a. The annular flange 376, on the other hand, has anouter width or diameter that is sized to be larger than the outer widthor diameter of the steerer tube 18 a. The tubular section 371 ispreferably sized such that the passageway of the steerer tube 18 a isnot substantially reduced.

The second end 375 of the tubular section 371 has a lower end wall 375 athat is axially spaced from the upper end opening 373 along the axialpassageway 374 of the tubular section 371 to form a device receivingspace 378. Optionally, the lower end wall 375 a has one or moreapertures 357 b for one or more wires to extend therethrough.

As seen in FIGS. 18-20, the attachment assembly 362 basically includesan attachment member 391 and an adjustment bolt 392 that is adjustablycoupled to the attachment member 391. The attachment member 391 and anadjustment bolt 392 form the steerer tube attachment section of thebicycle headset structure 311. The abutment washer or member 363 ismounted on the adjustment bolt 392 such that adjustment of theattachment assembly 362 varies the axially directed force of theabutment washer or member 363 on the mounting portion 17 a of thehandlebar 17. The attachment member 391 and the adjustment bolt 392 areeach preferably constructed as a one-piece, unitary member from a hardrigid material. More preferably, the attachment member 391 and theadjustment bolt 392 are each preferably constructed of a metallicmaterial suitable that is particularly suitable for bicycles.

As seen in FIGS. 18 and 20, the attachment member 391 is threadedlycoupled to the upper end opening 373 of the tubular section 371 foradjustably attaching the attachment assembly 362 to the upper tubularmember 361. In particular, the attachment member 391 has an outerperipheral surface with a set of second external threads 393 that arethreadedly engaged with the first internal threads 377 of the upper endopening 373 of the tubular section 371 for attaching the attachmentassembly 362 to the upper tubular member 361. The attachment member 391also has a center threaded bore 394 with a set of second internalthreads 394 a that are threadedly engaged with the adjustment bolt 392.Preferably, the attachment member 391 has at least one hole 395 thatcommunicates with the axial passageway 374 of the tubular section 371.

As seen in FIGS. 18-20, the adjustment bolt 392 has a threaded shaftportion 392 a with a set of external threads and a head portion 392 blocated at the upper end of the threaded shaft portion 392 a. Theabutment washer or member 363 is slideably mounted on the threaded shaftportion 392 a and abuts against the head portion 392 b when the bicycleheadset structure 311 is assembled. Thus, rotation of the adjustmentbolt 392 applies an axially directed force on the upper tubular member361 which is fixedly coupled to the steerer tube 18 a. In other words,by threaded the adjustment bolt 392 into the threaded bore 394, thesteerer tube 18 a is pulled upwardly against the lower steering bearingset 20 b and the mounting portion 17 a of the handlebar 17 is pusheddownwardly by the to apply an axially direction force on the uppersteering bearing set 20 a.

As seen in FIGS. 18-20 and 26, the abutment member 363 is preferablyconstructed as a one-piece, unitary member from a hard rigid material.More preferably, the abutment member 363 is constructed of a metallicmaterial that is especially suitable for bicycles. The abutment member363 is basically a disc shaped member that forms an abutment surface 363a. In other words, the outer diameter of the abutment surface 363 a ofthe abutment member 363 is dimensioned to contact the mounting portion17 a of the handlebar 17 to exert a downward pressure or force on themounting portion 17 a of the handlebar 17 when the bicycle headsetstructure 311 is tightened.

The abutment member 363 has a center hole 363 b for receiving theadjustment bolt 392 therethrough. Preferably, the abutment member 363has at least one hole 363 c that communicates with the axial passageway374 of the tubular section 371. Thus, one or more electrical cords canpass into the device receiving space 378 by feeding one or moreelectrical cords through the hole 363 c of the abutment member 363 andthrough one of the holes 395 of the attachment member 391.

Accordingly, the abutment member 363 is configured and arranged to forma top abutment section of the bicycle headset structure 311 whichextends radially from the tubular section 376 to form the abutmentsurface 363 a that faces in an axial direction towards the second end375 of the tubular section 371. Preferably, the abutment surface 363 ais substantially annularly arranged about the first end 372 of thetubular section 371. In other words, the abutment surface 363 a ispreferably a continuous annular flange. Of course, it will be apparentto those skilled in the art from this disclosure that the abutmentsurface 363 a can be a discontinuous annular flange.

Fourth Embodiment

Referring now to FIGS. 27 and 28, a bicycle headset structure 411 inaccordance with a fourth embodiment will now be explained. The bicycleheadset structure 411 is installed on the steerer tube 18 a of the frontsuspension fork 18 of the bicycle 10. In other words, the bicycleheadset structure 411 replaces the bicycle headset structure 11.Accordingly, in this fourth embodiment of the present invention, thebicycle headset structure 411 is mounted within the steerer tube 18 a ofthe front suspension fork 18 to hold the steerer tube 18 a within thebicycle head tube 12 d. In particular, the bicycle headset structure 411is mounted within the steerer tube 18 a of the front suspension fork 18so as to contact the upper surface of the mounting portion 17 a of thehandlebar 17 and the lower surface of the upper crown 18 c of the frontsuspension fork 18. Before the mounting portion 17 a of the handlebar 17is fixedly clamped (i.e., loosely installed) to the steerer tube 18 a,the bicycle headset structure 411 is adjusted to apply an axial forcethat pulls the mounting portion 17 a of the handlebar 17 and the frontsuspension fork 18 together to load the headset 20. In particular, thebicycle headset structure 411 is configured and arranged to contract inan axial direction on the steerer tube 18 a to apply an axial force tothe headset 20 and secure the steerer tube 18 a of the front suspensionfork 18 within the head tube 12 d. Thus, the bicycle headset structure411 is configured and arranged to exert a downward pressure or force onthe mounting portion 17 a of the handlebar 17 which in turn exert adownward pressure or axial force of the upper and lower steering bearingsets 20 a and 20 b. This axial force on the headset 20 allows the usedto apply to appropriate load to the upper and lower steering bearingsets 20 a and 20 b.

The bicycle headset structure 411 basically includes an upper tubularmember 461 and a pair of spacers or washers 462 that located on thesteerer tube 18 a between the mounting portion 17 a of the handlebar 17and the upper steering bearing set 20 a of the headset 20.

The upper tubular member 461 is preferably constructed as a one-piece,unitary member from a hard rigid material. More preferably, the uppertubular member 461 is constructed of a metallic material that isespecially suitable for bicycles. The upper tubular member 461 basicallyincludes a tubular section 471 having a first end 472 with an upper endopening 473, and an axial passageway 474 extending axially from thefirst end 472 towards a second end 475 of the tubular section 471. Thefirst end 472 of the tubular section 471 has an annular flange 476 thatextends radially outwardly from the tubular section 471. Preferably, theannular flange 476 is a continuous annular flange that has an abutmentsurface 476 a.

The tubular section 471 includes an outer peripheral surface with a setof first external threads 479 that threadedly engages a set of secondinternal threads 480 of the steerer tube 18 a so that the upper tubularmember 461 is fixedly coupled within the steerer tube 18 a. The outerperipheral surface with a set of first threads 479 that form the steerertube attachment section of the bicycle headset structure 411.

The abutment surface 476 a of the first end 472 of the tubular section471 is an axially facing surface that faces toward the second end 475 ofthe tubular section 471. Thus, the outer width of the abutment surface476 a of the annular flange 476 is dimensioned to contact the mountingportion 17 a of the handlebar 17 to exert a downward pressure or forceon the mounting portion 17 a of the handlebar 17 when the bicycleheadset structure 411 is tightened.

Thus, rotation of the upper tubular member 461 applies an axiallydirected force on the mounting portion 17 a of the handlebar 17 which ismounted loosely to the steerer tube 18 a when the upper tubular member461 is initially installed. In other words, by threaded the uppertubular member 461 into the threads 480 of the steerer tube 18 a, thesteerer tube 18 a is pulled upwardly against the lower steering bearingset 20 b and the mounting portion 17 a of the handlebar 17 is pusheddownwardly by the to apply an axially direction force on the uppersteering bearing set 20 a.

The tubular section 471, except for the annular flange 476, has an outerwidth or diameter that is sized to be received with in the passageway ofthe steerer tube 18 a. The annular flange 476, on the other hand, has anouter width or diameter that is sized to be larger than the outer widthor diameter of the steerer tube 18 a such that the passageway of thesteerer tube 18 a is not substantially reduced.

The second end 475 of the tubular section 471 has a lower end opening475 a that communicates with the axial passageway 474 of the tubularsection 471 such that a through bore extends completely through thebicycle headset structure 411.

Various Applications

Referring now to FIGS. 30-33, when one of the bicycle headset structures11, 211 and 411 are used, a device receiving recess is formed to mountone of the bicycle components C₁-C₄ as shown in FIGS. 30-33. However,for the sake of brevity, the bicycle components C₁-C₄ as shown in FIGS.30-33 will only be illustrated with the first embodiment. Of course, thebicycle components C₁-C₄ can also be used in the second and fourthembodiments by changing the size of the bicycle components C₁-C₄ to fitin the device receiving recess of the particular embodiment.

As seen in FIG. 30, the bicycle component C₁ is an electronic suspensioncontroller, i.e., an electrical device, which has an operator usingportion P₁ and a steerer tube insertion portion P₂. A printed circuitboard and a battery are located inside the steerer tube insertionportion P₂. The operator using portion P₁ has an outermost width that islarger than inner diameter of the upper tubular member 461, while thesteerer tube insertion portion P₂ has an outermost width that is smallerthan inner diameter of the upper tubular member 461. Thus, theelectrical switch C₁ can be inserted into the passageway of the uppertubular member 461. The precise structure of the electronic suspensioncontroller C₁ is not important to the present invention. Thus, theprecise structure of the electronic suspension controller C₁ will not bediscussed or illustrated in detail herein.

As seen in FIG. 31, the bicycle component C₂ is a mechanical suspensioncontroller, i.e., a cable operating device, which has an operator usingportion P₁′ and a steerer tube insertion portion P₂′. A cable windingmechanism is located inside the steerer tube insertion portion P₂′ forwinding an inner wire of a cable in response to rotation of the operatorusing portion P₁′. The operator using portion P₁′ has an outermost widththat is larger than inner diameter of the upper tubular member 461,while the steerer tube insertion portion P₂′ has an outermost width thatis smaller than inner diameter of the upper tubular member 461. Thus,the mechanical suspension controller C₂ can be inserted into thepassageway of the upper tubular member 461. The precise structure of themechanical suspension controller C₂ is not important to the presentinvention. Thus, the precise structure of the mechanical suspensioncontroller C₂ will not be discussed or illustrated in detail herein.

As seen in FIG. 32, the bicycle component C₃ is an electrical switch,i.e., an electrical device, which has an operator using portion P₁′″ anda steerer tube insertion portion P₂′″. Electrical contacts are locatedinside the steerer tube insertion portion P₂′″ for turning on and off anelectrical component of the bicycle such as a lamp in response torotation of the operator using portion P₁′″. The operator using portionP₁′″ has an outermost width that is larger than inner diameter of theupper tubular member 461, while the steerer tube insertion portion P₂′″has an outermost width that is smaller than inner diameter of the uppertubular member 461. Thus, the electrical switch C₃ can be inserted intothe passageway of the upper tubular member 461. The precise structure ofthe electrical switch C₃ is not important to the present invention.Thus, the precise structure of the electrical switch C₃ will not bediscussed or illustrated in detail herein.

As seen in FIG. 33, the bicycle component C₄ is a cycle computer with adisplay, i.e., an electrical device, which has an operator using portionP₁″″ such as push buttons and a steerer tube insertion portion P₂″″.Various electrical parts are located inside the steerer tube insertionportion P₂″″ for operating an electrical component of the bicycle and/ordisplaying information in response to input signals from sensors. Theoperator using portion P₁″″ has an outermost width that is larger thaninner diameter of the upper tubular member 461, while the steerer tubeinsertion portion P₂“ ” has an outermost width that is smaller thaninner diameter of the upper tubular member 461. Thus, the cycle computerC₄ replaces the cycle computer 31 and can be inserted into thepassageway of the upper tubular member 461. The precise structure of thecycle computer C₄ is not important to the present invention. Thus, theprecise structure of the cycle computer C₄ will not be discussed orillustrated in detail herein.

The terms of degree such as “substantially”, “about” and “approximately”as used herein mean a reasonable amount of deviation of the modifiedterm such that the end result is not significantly changed. These termsshould be construed as including a deviation of at least ±5% of themodified term if this deviation would not negate the meaning of the wordit modifies.

While only selected embodiments have been chosen to illustrate thepresent invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art fromthis disclosure that various changes and modifications can be madeherein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined inthe appended claims. Furthermore, the foregoing descriptions of theembodiments according to the present invention are provided forillustration only, and not for the purpose of limiting the invention asdefined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

1-21. (canceled)
 22. A bicycle headset structure comprising: a tubularsection having a first end with an upper end opening, an axialpassageway extending axially from the first end towards a second end ofthe tubular section, and an outer peripheral surface with externalthreads forming a steerer tube attachment section; and a top abutmentsection extending radially from the tubular section to form an abutmentsurface that faces in an axial direction towards the second end of thetubular section, the steerer tube attachment section being configuredand arranged to adjustably couple the tubular section to a steerer tubesuch that selective adjustment of the steerer tube attachment sectionresults in the abutment surface applying a downward force on a bicyclehead tube to hold the steerer tube within the bicycle head tube, thesteerer tube having internal threads and being arranged and configuredto threadedly engage the external threads of the outer peripheralsurface.
 23. The bicycle headset structure according to claim 22,wherein the second end of the tubular section has a lower end openingthat communicates with the axial passageway of the tubular section suchthat a through bore extends completely through the bicycle headsetstructure.
 24. The bicycle headset structure according to claim 22,wherein the tubular section has a lower end wall that is axially spacedfrom the upper end opening along the axial passageway of the tubularsection to form a device receiving space.
 25. The bicycle headsetstructure according to claim 24, wherein the upper end opening of thetubular section includes a set of first threads; and the top abutmentsection includes a set of second threads that are threadedly engagedwith the first threads.
 26. The bicycle headset structure according toclaim 25, wherein the top abutment section further includes anattachment member having the second threads, and an adjustment boltthreadedly coupled to the attachment member.
 27. The bicycle headsetstructure according to claim 26, wherein the attachment member has atleast one hole that communicates with the axial passageway of thetubular section.